When the Heavens Split Asunder

by Seemeen Khan Yousufzai

It is a time of terror and a time of misery.

A child is murdered.

The lives of two mothers, unknowingly, intertwine with a shattering effect that cannot be pieced back together, again. Mystery shrouds the killers as they hunt for their next victim.

Thus, a journey of self-awareness begins for each character solemnly affected by the brutal murder of the innocent child, triggering a final decision.

100 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2023

About the author

Seemeen Khan Yousufzai is a trailblazing writer from Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Pakistan, who has made a significant impact in the literary world as the first female poet, essayist, short story writer, and novelist from the region to write in the English language. With a career spanning over a decade, Seemeen has established herself as a powerful voice in Pakistani literature, exploring themes of identity, culture, and social justice through her works.

Born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, Seemeen was exposed to the rich cultural heritage and literary traditions of a number of regions of the world in the multicultural state from a young age. She drew inspiration from life, nature, religion, and romanticism, spirituality, and metaphysicality, and went on to pursue her passion for writing in English. Seemeen's unique blend of cultural insight and linguistic skill has enabled her to craft a distinctive voice that resonates with readers from diverse backgrounds.

Seemeen's literary journey began with the publication of her debut poetry collection, "On the Wings of SKY," which received critical acclaim for its lyrical and evocative exploration of themes such as love, nature, and social justice. Her subsequent works, including the short story collection "A Sip of Moonlight" and the short stories and essays collection, "The Unfinished Portrait" and the novel "When the Heavens Split Asunder," have solidified her reputation as a masterful storyteller and nuanced observer of human experience.

Through her writing, Seemeen has tackled complex issues such as gender inequality, political unrest, and cultural identity, offering a unique perspective on the experiences of marginalized souls in Pakistan and all over the world. Her works are characterized by their lyrical prose, vivid imagery, and profound emotional depth, making her a standout figure in contemporary Pakistani English literature.

Seemeen's contributions to literature have been recognized through various awards and accolades, including being awarded at the Peshawar Women Literature Festival 2023. Her works are in the process of being translated into multiple languages, including Pashto and Urdu, and have been featured in prominent literary journals and anthologies.

In addition to her literary pursuits, Seemeen is a dedicated advocate for human rights and social justice, using her platform to raise awareness about critical issues affecting her community. Her commitment to empowering the marginalized voices through her writing and activism has made her a role model for aspiring writers and social change-makers in Pakistan and beyond. She is also a passionate educationist and a proud and doting wife.

Seemeen Khan Yousufzai's remarkable body of work, spanning multiple genres and themes, has cemented her position as a leading voice in Pakistani literature. Her writing continues to inspire and captivate readers worldwide, offering a unique window into the experiences and perspectives of the human life.

Seemeen Khan Yousufzai can be reached at:
LinkedIn - seemeenkhanyousufzai;
Instagram - @seemeen.khanyousufzai

Reviews

[Jia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝙈𝙖𝙣- 𝙪𝙥𝙤𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙥𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙡."

4/5 ⭐

Review:

"When the Heavens split asunder" captured my interest right from the first page due to its fast pacing, beautiful prose, short chapters, and the theme it revolves around. It discussed the acts of abuse and torture that are prevalent in our society today. I cannot seem to digest how people can possibly be okay with doing things like that.

Along with the discussion of morbid and grisly acts of two teenagers, we get to see the effects of these actions on the life of their own mother and the mother of the child they have tortured. I can't imagine how hard it must be for the mothers whose children go down this heinous road.

It was genuinely a really good book. I didn't love the ending honestly but one can't even fathom the extent of desperation and pain a mother must be in a situation like this and how she would deal with it. May Allah never let anyone go through this.


Things that I personally didn't really like were the repetition of words at times, and the ambiguity I felt throughout the book because of the absence of characters' names. I just felt like it would have been better if the characters had names because, then I'd have been able to discern which character was being talked about in a particular chapter. However, maybe that's what the author wanted to achieve. She wanted the characters to be shrouded in mystery as well, I think. If that's what she was going for, she did a splendid job at it!

[Khadeejah E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Heavens split asunder' is a brilliantly written short novel depicting the actual horrors of this society that we live in. Based on heart-rendering news we hear each day, injustice and crimes swarming within the lives of mortals dwelling from earth's one corner to another.

It begins with the case of an innocent missing child, revolving around the stories of both the oppressed and the oppressor.
Including more characters and their story, without adding any unnecessary detail, and keeping the reader hooked till the end, the author did a marvelous job.
I appreciate and am in awe of her skills of presenting an eloquent written piece and leaving the reader to ponder over not just the story, but also the world we're thriving in.

It focuses on the consequences of mental health issues not being regarded, not preventing abuse, ignorance towards injustice and different struggles of many individuals who are connected to each other somehow.

Despite the story not being lengthy, I enjoyed reading the novel. A written piece of art, that left me in a trance of realisation and redemption.

Note: Please consider TW regarding murder and suicide.

Major thanks to the author and tour hosts for allowing me to review this book. It was truly an honour!

Looking forward to read more works of the author, best of luck and Duas for your journey ahead @seemeen.khanyousufzai 😊🤍

[Fawad Mirza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently had the opportunity to read the compelling novelette, "When the Heavens Split Asunder," and I was captivated from start to finish.

The author skillfully weaves a narrative that explores the depths of human emotions and the complexities of maternal love. The heartbreaking loss endured by the first mother at the hands of the second mother's sons sets the stage for a gripping exploration of grief, revenge, and the ultimate quest for redemption.

The characters are vividly portrayed, each carrying their own burdens and secrets, their paths intricately intertwined. Through their individual struggles, the author reveals the fragility of human connections and the profound impact of choices made in the face of immense pain.

As the story unfolds, the tension escalates, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning each page to discover how these shattered lives will ultimately collide. The author's vivid descriptions and evocative prose paint a vivid picture of the emotional turmoil, allowing readers to empathize with the characters' internal battles.

"When the Heavens Split Asunder" is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of loss, remorse, and the search for redemption. The story challenges readers to contemplate the depths of human resilience and the consequences of our actions.

I commend the author for their masterful storytelling and their ability to tackle such poignant subject matter with sensitivity and depth. "When the Heavens Split Asunder" is a powerful testament to the impact of tragedy on the human spirit, leaving readers with a lingering sense of reflection and a renewed appreciation for the complexities of life.

I highly recommend "When the Heavens Split Asunder" to readers seeking an emotionally charged and thought-provoking journey that will resonate long after the final page is turned.

[Muhammad Samejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had little to no idea what to expect going into this novella by a fellow Pakistani author, but I’m speechless. The sheer brutality and ugliness of society as portrayed in this book is absolutely devastating, so much so that it took me a while to process it all despite having finished it in a day. The length is only 100 pages, but it leaves readers unnerved, unsettled, and unable to comprehend why and how people turn into monsters. Though the events shown in this book can be attributed to extreme rarities, sadly they are not that far off with the kind of viciousness people have turned toward, particularly in Pakistani society.

But that isn’t only where the writing excels. The author has intertwined a heart wrenching telling of events with various allegorical passages that aim to make sense of the darkness prevailing through the story. It makes WTHSA an even more engrossing read that scratches deeper into the surface of the human psyche. Furthermore, the layers the author adds to the characters’ back stories is superbly done which leaves the reader second-guessing everything they know so far because the truth is not so easily discovered.

Be warned, there are massive trigger warnings for disturbing violence, abuse, and more that will leave you speechless but in a good way. Don’t be fooled by its petite size; this book packs a pretty hard punch of reality and full marks to the author for writing it the way she has. Excellent book!

[Iqraa · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It is said that there are two categories of victims: the sufferer, who wishes no one suffers as they suffered, and the other sufferer, who wants to subject everyone else to the same, if not worse, sufferings that they suffered. What is the factor that determines who would fall into which category?”
- When the Heavens Split Asunder


–Review–
This book was so heartbreaking and painful that I couldn’t stop thinking about it for a while. It was filled with heavy themes of grief and loss- lives of two mothers so brutally affected and the author remarkably conveyed each character’s feelings to the readers. Plot wise, it wasn’t dragging at all and built very good suspense that made me finish this short book in a single sitting. The prose was beautiful and I loved how the author had woven so many topics in a single story: a mother’s love, domestic abuse, consequences of a toxic household and the cycle of abuse as well as PTSD. And she remarkably fit the themes we witness in the society within the story of 79 pages! The murder of the toddler was so brutal it really shook me to the core and the end 💔– I wasn’t expecting this end at all.

The only reason I couldn’t give this book full five stars was the repetition of words, for instance, in the very first page. Overall, it was a wonderful yet dark, sad and heartbreaking book: an unforgettable story.

[Alina Fatima · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is said that there are two categories of victims:
the sufferer, who wishes no one suffers as they
suffered, and the other sufferer, who wants to
subject everyone else to the same, if not worse,
sufferings that they suffered. What is the factor that
determines who would fall into which category?
This mother did her best in protecting her
children, whether it was at the cost of sacrificing
herself – or anyone else, too. Maybe, that was the
determining factor? A lesson that truly needed to be
taught was that wish upon others that you wish for
yourself."

This book hold such a great message in these little pages😭 . The potray of grief, the loss of mother and the fight of another mother is so heart wrenching. I finish this book I'm single sitting and it keep me hooked.

I always pity people related to criminals and the emotions and inner conflict of a mother in this book give me more insight on such people. How they can't hate criminals and also don't allow themselves to love them either. And they also suffer even they are not even at fault.

The grief of the mother that lost her child is worse. The pain that you can't protect your child, the constant self blame and urge to change the past is just so painful.

⚠️This book include abuse, violence , triggering description and suicide

[Nayyab Mushtaq · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Man – upon realizing his true merit could reach a status high above the pure angels in their piety and virtuousness, but could also fall into a bottomless pit of depravity worse than that of any devil. It is a matter of choice that determines our destiny."

When The Heavens Split Asunder is a short novel about a horrifying act by two teenagers and the consequences it leads to. I didn't expect this book to be this dark but it was bone-chilling. Revolving around multiple themes and written in a beautiful way, this book kept me hooked. The whole mysterious atmosphere and the way author was disclosing the events had me intrigued and I finished it in one sitting.

I loved the Greek mythology reference in it and how Seemeen showed and compared the state of two mothers. I read a previous work of Seemeen and her writing has improved a lot. The use of symbolism and imagery in this one was done so perfectly. If you want a quick thought provoking and dark thriller, you might like it. Though it might be a disturbing read so mentioning trigger warnings below.

Trigger warnings: abduction, abuse, mutilation, grief, body dysmorphia, death, murder, suicide.

[The ReaderBee 1609 · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Heavens split asunder" was both a disturbing and heartrending book. The vividly described scenes made me feel like I was right there inside the book.
The story revolves around a child's murder, intertwining the lives of two mothers in a shattering way. It explores themes of grief, loss, and the consequences of a toxic household. The author skillfully conveyed each character's emotions, and the suspenseful plot had me hooked from start to finish.
Despite its brevity, the prose was beautifully written, touching on a mother's love, domestic abuse, and the cycle of abuse. The brutality of the toddler's murder shook me to the core, and the unexpected ending left a lasting impact. The only downside was the repetition of words.
In one sitting, I was immersed in this book.
⚠️ The author has delivered a powerful message and an unforgettable story, though please be aware that it contains themes of abuse, violence, triggering descriptions, and suicide.

[A. tjyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

'When the heavens split asunder' is a beautiful short novel about motherhood and love for one's offspring.The story is brutal and gruesome yet heartbreakingly real.How many mothers lose their children daily and how many are able to find them alive and kicking? Not many I'm sure.The story serves as a reality check for many and will definitely leave one thinking for a long time.
I loved how emotionally packed the story was despite its length.It shows the writer's command over her craft.
I'd definitely love to read more of her writing.
a) The descriptions had just the perfect amount of accuracy .They were long but not tedious.
P.s There are a lot of trigger warnings so make sure you guys check them out before reading this book.

[Mutaharah Shafiq · Rating 3 out of 5]

BOOK TOUR BY @mbooktours
“ when the heavens split asunder “

⭐️⭐️⭐️

TW: violence, suicide and death
Sooo okay this was a truly truly disturbing and heartbreaking book I’ve read this year- I mean the scenes were described so beautifully and so accurately that it made me feel as if I’m actually seeing everything and I think that’s the only reason I gave this book 3 stars.

However the repetition of descriptions and the absence of the characters names??? Was weird to me. It made the reading experience vvv confusing so if the author would have given the characters names that would’ve been amazing hehe.

If you’re looking for a book with harsh reality checks then this one is for you!

[Musfira Siddiqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

An epic epic epic story! Loved how this emotional, heart wrenching tale with perfect descriptions were woven within these numbered pages. It clearly tells how important it is for a woman to be well-educated, loved, respected, so that she can transfer all these important qualities to her off-spring. Their were other multiple reality checks given too, that you have to read to know 🤪 but this book is highly recommended from my side!
The only thing that was kind of off-putting were extensive use of adjectives and the characters that weren't named. Sometimes, I had to read an entire page to know which character scenes is going on 🙂